Josh Bootsma had not played a game in 2014 before departing Carlton. Photo: Sebastian Costanzo

"We've got some good footballers; we've got some players that play with a lot of heart. Perhaps the talent level is not quite right there," he said.

Speaking on Wednesday, Malthouse lashed out at the free agency system as he contemplates the best way to rebuild his side into an AFL force.

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Malthouse took aim at the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA), saying they were "kidding themselves" over free agency, which would create a league of haves and have-nots.

He predicted a stream of players leaving low and middle-ranked clubs for premiership contenders, producing a competition similar to the English Premier League, which has only had three different winners in the past decade.